Vincencia Toma, a resident of Radamata Village in Kota Tambulaka District, South West Sumba, has seen a positive change in her daily life thanks to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Being a pregnant mother with a four-year-old child, Vincencia shared how the program has made a difference for her and her child. Previously, they had whatever they could find for breakfast, but since the MBG program began, her child now eats every meal provided. Vincencia, who has received free meals for the past nine days, emphasized the delicious taste of the meals and their nutritional value for her child. She also mentioned how the program has helped improve her family’s eating habits, making it easier to manage food distribution throughout the day.
Nine months pregnant, Vincencia is among the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers benefiting from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She appreciates the government’s initiative in providing free and nutritious food for rural mothers and children, stressing the positive impact it has had on ensuring children receive meals with adequate protein and variety. Vincencia expressed her desire for the program to continue long-term, recognizing its significance in enhancing community health.
Administered by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG program in Southwest Sumba focuses on providing meals to schools and health posts, specifically targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. Through the use of locally sourced ingredients and a focus on well-balanced nutrition, the program aims to address health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s story illustrates how the MBG program is creating a meaningful impact on the lives of numerous families in South West Sumba.
